Electric Vehicle (EV) Power Plans – The Definitive New Zealand Guide
Looking for an EV power plan? Our guide compares EV plans from Z Energy, Meridian, Contact (Dream Charge) and Genesis, and overall costs versus regular power plans. We explain the costs, pros and cons and must-know facts to help you choose a plan that fits your needs.
Updated 1 December 2023
Summary:
To help you decide if an EV plan is right for you, our guide covers:
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, as more people look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs.
- One of the key considerations for EV owners is the cost of electricity to charge their vehicles. Some energy companies offer plans specifically aimed at EV owners; these are designed to provide lower rates for electricity used to charge EVs and other benefits, such as free charging at selected stations.
- Electric vehicle electricity plans are a popular option for EV owners who want to save money on electricity costs and take advantage of other benefits. However, it's important to compare different plans from different providers to find the one that suits your specific needs and usage patterns. Our review shows the difference in costs but our examples may not apply to your needs.
- Other types of electricity plans may also be suitable for EV owners, like time-of-use plans, or fixed term plans that offer competitive rates and significant sign-up discounts. For completion, we have included all these plans in this comparison as well but you can read our power comparison guide for more details.
To help you decide if an EV plan is right for you, our guide covers:
Know This First: What are EV Power Plans?
- EV power plans are special electricity plans designed for customers who own electric vehicles. These plans typically offer lower rates for electricity used to charge EVs, and may also include additional benefits such as free charging at certain charging stations.
- Like any other electricity plan in New Zealand, they are composed of fixed and variable daily charges.
- Requisites to subscribe to an EV power plan: Each energy company sets out their rules for enrolment, but to subscribe to an EV electricity plan, you might need to own or have a long lease of an electric vehicle. Some providers may require you to provide proof of ownership of an EV, such as a copy of your registration documents. Furthermore, if you don’t already have one, you will also probably need a smart meter installed.
Overview of EV Plans Available in New Zealand
In New Zealand, there are a handful of electricity providers that offer exclusive Electric Vehicle plans. These include:
Z Energy EV at Home plan
Website: Z Energy EV at Home
Z Energy's EV at Home plan is aimed at owners electric vehicles that charge their cars at home but is open to people who don’t own EVs as well. The night time rates (9pm to 7am) on this plan are half the price of their daytime rates, and there are 3 hours of free* power every night (from 3am to 6am) (*Free hours and half price rates at night are not applicable to any separately priced controlled meter (such as for hot water) but apply to all other power consumption.). This is an open contract, so no break fees apply. Additionally, Z Energy has partnered with Evnex to offer the purchase and installation of smart chargers, which let you charge your EV much faster than on a regular three-pin plug.
Pros of this plan:
Cons of this plan:
Z Energy's EV at Home plan is aimed at owners electric vehicles that charge their cars at home but is open to people who don’t own EVs as well. The night time rates (9pm to 7am) on this plan are half the price of their daytime rates, and there are 3 hours of free* power every night (from 3am to 6am) (*Free hours and half price rates at night are not applicable to any separately priced controlled meter (such as for hot water) but apply to all other power consumption.). This is an open contract, so no break fees apply. Additionally, Z Energy has partnered with Evnex to offer the purchase and installation of smart chargers, which let you charge your EV much faster than on a regular three-pin plug.
Pros of this plan:
- Three hours of free energy every night (from 3am to 6am) and discounted energy rates from 9pm to 7am.) ( Please note the Free hours and half price rates at night are not applicable to any separately priced controlled meter (such as for hot water) but apply to all other power consumption.).
- Aimed at EV owners but open to all residential customers with a smart meter installed
- Option to add on a smart charger including installation.
- Ability to pay off a smart charger over 24 months interest-free or choose to pay upfront with no fixed-term contract.
- No fixed term, no break fee unless paying off a smart charger – then under a fixed term contract for 24 months.
Cons of this plan:
- You must have a smart meter installed at your property.
- The Half-price night rates and the free hours of power are not available if you have a separately priced controlled meter (such as for hot water).
Contact Dream Charge
Website: Contact Dream Charge
This plan offers very competitive rates (variable and fixed), is open to people who don’t own EV’s and does not require you to commit to a minimum term.
Pros of this plan:
Cons of this plan:
This plan offers very competitive rates (variable and fixed), is open to people who don’t own EV’s and does not require you to commit to a minimum term.
Pros of this plan:
- Discounted energy rates from 11pm to 7am
- Aimed at EV owners but open to all residential customers with a smart meter installed
- No fixed term, no break fee
- Additional $2.50 credit charge on ChargeNet stations every month ($30 per year). You will need to download the AA SmartFuel App to use this benefit. This website explains the full details.
Cons of this plan:
- Other plans have discounted energy rates starting from 9pm
Genesis Energy EV Plan
Website: Genesis Energy EV Plan
This plan has discounted variable rates that are up to 50% cheaper than their most expensive rates, offers occasional free hours of power and special rates at Chargenet stations. This plan has many benefits in kind, that are not directly comparable with other plans, like the free hours of power and the special rates at Chargenet stations.
Pros of this plan:
Cons of this plan:
This plan has discounted variable rates that are up to 50% cheaper than their most expensive rates, offers occasional free hours of power and special rates at Chargenet stations. This plan has many benefits in kind, that are not directly comparable with other plans, like the free hours of power and the special rates at Chargenet stations.
Pros of this plan:
- Discounted energy rates from 9pm to 7am
- Prices fixed for 12 months
- Up to 6% discounts on your bill (2% for Direct Debit, 1% for eBilling, 3% for being on a fixed term contract)
- Power shout offers apply (Free hours of power)
- With EVerywhere, you can charge your EV at Chargenet stations and get the same rate you pay when you charge your EV at home.
- EV IQ section of the Energy IQ app lets you analyse your EV charging habits and help you shift more of your usage to times when the rates are cheaper
Cons of this plan:
- Break fee of $150 might apply if the contract is terminated early
Meridian Energy EV Plan
Website: Meridian Energy EV Plan
This plan offers lower variable rates at night than their other day/night plans, has fixed prices for 2 years and comes with a free charging cable for your EV or a credit on your bill.
Pros of this plan:
Cons of this plan:
This plan offers lower variable rates at night than their other day/night plans, has fixed prices for 2 years and comes with a free charging cable for your EV or a credit on your bill.
Pros of this plan:
- Discounted energy rates from 9pm to 7am
- Prices fixed for 24 months
- Smart meter installed for free
- Receive $200 credit or a free EV AC Charging cable. Read the full T&Cs for this offer.
Cons of this plan:
- 2 year commitment, but luckily no termination fees are charged
​Other suitable plans for EV owners:
While EV electricity plans are designed specifically for EV owners, other types of electricity plans could be suitable depending on your usage patterns. For example, time-of-use plans offer discounted rates during off-peak hours, which could be beneficial for EV owners who mainly charge their vehicles overnight.
Price Comparison of EV Power Plans
To compare the power plans listed above, we conducted two different analyses:
1. What would be the annual price paid for a household on standard user rates?
- For this, we considered the average annual consumption of a standard user of each city and took into account any sign-up credits and discounts offered by the plans.
- The companies we analysed have various pricing structures and define day/night periods differently, so we assigned weighting factors accordingly as follows:
- Contact: Day time hours: 7am to 11pm, Night time hours: 11pm to 7am. Factors used: Day 66%, Night 33%.
- Genesis and Meridian: Day time hours: 7am to 9pm, Night time hours: 9pm to 7am. Factors used: Day 58%, Night 41%.
- Z energy:: Day time hours: 7am to 9pm, Night time hours: 9pm to 3am, 6am to 7am, Free* hours: 3am to 6am. Factors used: Day 45%, Night 28%, Free* hours:27%. (Percentages based on actual average usage observed by Z Energy over a period of two months). (*Free hours and half price rates at night are not applicable to any separately priced controlled meter (such as for hot water) but apply to all other power consumption.).
2. How much would it cost to fully charge a Nissan Leaf 1.2 (24 kWh) at home?
- We chose the Nissan Leaf as it’s one of the most popular EV in New Zealand and an affordable entry point.
- For this comparison, we considered both the variable charges (EA Levy and the cheapest possible rate offered by each plan) and fixed daily charges from each provider for a standard user household.
- This would be as if the only appliance used in the house that day was an EV car that was charged 80% at night in accordance with ChargeNet's guidance at the lowest rate possible.
- The pricing does not consider any discounts, sign-up credits or other benefits.
- You can download our spreadsheet, which we used to compare plans across different cities.
Discounts and important notes about our power plan comparison
The following discounts have already been applied to the annual charge estimate figure shown on the table above:
Discounts:
- EV01: $200 Credit or AC cable charger
- EV02: $2.50 Chargenet credit once a month through AA Smartfuel App
- EV04: 2% Direct Debit, 1%eBilling, 3% fixed term + Free Power shout. $150 exit fee applies
- EV05: 3 hours of free power every day (3am to 6am) (*Free hours and half price rates at night are not applicable to any separately priced controlled meter (such as for hot water) but apply to all other power consumption.).
- DISC-03: 2% Direct Debit, 1%eBilling, 3% fixed term + $100 on 12 month sign up, free Power Shout hours
- DISC-04: $200 account credit, prices fixed for 1 year, $150 Termination Fee applies
- DISC-07: $200 credit upon joining, prices fixed for 24 months
- DISC-08: $150 credit for new customers upon online signup
- DISC-10: $10 monthly credit, variable rates during the year, open contract
- BUND-02: $20 off Broadband per month for 12 months, $250 sign up bonus (Only for new customers taking out Unlimited broadband and Power bundle on a 12 month plan).
- Please be aware that the sign-up bonuses are one-off discounts. Any credit publicly available has been applied in year one. However, the credit will not be applied in the second year. This means the estimated pricing in the above table is valid only for 12 months.
Discounts:
- Please note the prices below exclude Flick's $50 signup bonus with MoneyHub, and we have excluded all discounts promoted by third-party power-switching websites. If you deduct $50 from the pricing, Flick offers even cheaper open plan pricing - we're proud to work with Flick to give New Zealanders fairer electricity prices. Terms and Conditions can be found here.
EV Power plan comparisons per city
Price comparison of EV Plans for Auckland
EV and conventional electricity plan comparison for Auckland (sorted annual charge estimate from by least expensive to most expensive):
| Plan Type | Energy Provider and Plan | Annual Charge estimate | Contract - Fixed Term or Open? | Discount ID | Cost for EV full charge - Total variable charges w/ GST | Cost for EV full charge - Total expense (fixed + variable w/GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV plan | Z Energy - EV at Home Plan | $2,241.01 | Open | EV05 | $2.06 | $4.59 |
| EV plan | Meridian EV | $2,396.39 | Fixed (24 months, prices fixed too) | EV01 | $3.07 | $5.07 |
| Regular power plan | Powershop (Standard) | $2,424.61 | Open | DISC-08 | $4.52 | $6.87 |
| EV plan | Contact EV - Dream Charge | $2,527.65 | Open | EV02 | $3.55 | $5.33 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Flat (Standard) | $2,549.05 | Open | . | $4.28 | $6.81 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Off Peak (Standard) | $2,557.56 | Open | . | $3.60 | $6.13 |
| Regular power plan | Frank Energy (Standard) | $2,598.66 | Open | . | $5.35 | $6.91 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Basic (Standard) | $2,624.31 | Fixed (12 months) | . | $4.69 | $7.00 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury 1 Year Fixed (Standard) | $2,653.85 | Fixed (12 months) | DISC-04 | $5.08 | $7.62 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian 2- year contract (Standard) | $2,699.17 | Fixed (24 months) | DISC-07 | $5.51 | $7.72 |
| EV plan | Genesis EV Plan | $2,720.60 | Fixed (12 months) | EV04 | $3.31 | $5.96 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian No Fixed Term (Standard) | $2,725.55 | Open | DISC-10 | $5.42 | $7.58 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Plus (Standard) | $2,776.65 | Open or Fixed | DISC-03 | $5.52 | $8.17 |
| Regular power plan | Globug (Standard) | $2,801.78 | Open | . | $4.99 | $7.48 |
| Regular power plan | Contact Basic Plan (Standard) | $2,829.64 | Open | . | $5.18 | $7.55 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury Open Term (Standard) | $2,853.85 | Open | . | $5.08 | $7.62 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Fixed (Standard) | $2,915.77 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $3.29 | $5.76 |
| Regular power plan | Nova Energy (Standard) | $2,987.62 | Open | . | $5.29 | $7.98 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoSAVER (Standard) | $3,019.71 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $4.48 | $6.89 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoWHOLESALE (Standard) | $3,040.95 | Open | . | $4.54 | $6.96 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - MoveMaster (Standard) | $3,046.77 | Open | . | $3.67 | $6.06 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Flexi (Standard) | $3,076.28 | Open | . | $3.54 | $6.01 |
| Regular power plan | Slingshot (Standard) | $3,184.25 | Fixed 12 months | BUND-02 | $6.68 | $9.12 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - Kiwi (Standard) | $3,371.18 | Open | . | $6.58 | $8.97 |
Price comparison of EV Plans for Hamilton
EV and conventional electricity plan comparison for Hamilton (sorted annual charge estimate from by least expensive to most expensive):
| Plan Type | Energy Provider and Plan | Annual Charge estimate | Contract - Fixed Term or Open? | Discount ID | Cost for EV full charge - Total variable charges w/ GST | Cost for EV full charge - Total expense (fixed + variable w/GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV plan | Meridian EV | $2,423.87 | Fixed (24 months, prices fixed too) | EV01 | $3.04 | $5.16 |
| Regular power plan | Powershop (Standard) | $2,442.06 | Open | DISC-08 | $4.61 | $7.03 |
| EV plan | Z Energy - EV at Home Plan | $2,461.62 | Open | EV05 | $2.43 | $5.01 |
| Regular power plan | Frank Energy (Standard) | $2,685.31 | Open | . | $5.71 | $7.27 |
| EV plan | Contact EV - Dream Charge | $2,712.79 | Open | EV02 | $3.94 | $5.97 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Fixed (Standard) | $2,726.11 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $3.03 | $5.56 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian 2- year contract (Standard) | $2,732.20 | Fixed (24 months) | DISC-07 | $5.65 | $7.94 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury 1 Year Fixed (Standard) | $2,745.87 | Fixed (12 months) | DISC-04 | $5.57 | $7.98 |
| EV plan | Genesis EV Plan | $2,762.94 | Fixed (12 months) | EV04 | $3.31 | $6.04 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Off Peak (Standard) | $2,768.83 | Open | . | $4.00 | $6.59 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Flat (Standard) | $2,769.34 | Open | . | $4.92 | $7.51 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian No Fixed Term (Standard) | $2,809.58 | Open | DISC-10 | $5.69 | $7.94 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Basic (Standard) | $2,817.73 | Fixed (12 months) | . | $5.24 | $7.64 |
| Regular power plan | Globug (Standard) | $2,830.66 | Open | . | $5.01 | $7.68 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Flexi (Standard) | $2,882.95 | Open | . | $3.28 | $5.81 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury Open Term (Standard) | $2,945.87 | Open | . | $5.57 | $7.98 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Plus (Standard) | $2,951.72 | Open or Fixed | DISC-03 | $6.07 | $8.80 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - MoveMaster (Standard) | $3,039.01 | Open | . | $3.58 | $6.22 |
| Regular power plan | Nova Energy (Standard) | $3,113.85 | Open | . | $5.69 | $8.44 |
| Regular power plan | Contact Basic Plan (Standard) | $3,129.83 | Open | . | $5.76 | $8.48 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoWHOLESALE (Standard) | $3,214.40 | Open | . | $4.29 | $6.78 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoSAVER (Standard) | $3,236.30 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $4.35 | $6.84 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - Kiwi (Standard) | $3,568.19 | Open | . | $7.02 | $9.66 |
| Regular power plan | Slingshot (Standard) | $3,906.03 | Fixed 12 months | BUND-02 | $8.03 | $10.57 |
Price comparison of EV Plans for Wellington
EV and conventional electricity plan comparison for Wellington (sorted annual charge estimate from by least expensive to most expensive):
| Plan type | Energy Provider and Plan | Annual Charge estimate | Contract - Fixed Term or Open? | Discount ID | Cost for EV full charge - Total variable charges w/ GST | Cost for EV full charge - Total expense (fixed + variable w/GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV plan | Z Energy - EV at Home Plan | $2,073.70 | Open | EV05 | $1.84 | $4.30 |
| Regular power plan | Powershop (Standard) | $2,237.31 | Open | DISC-08 | $4.10 | $6.38 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Flat (Standard) | $2,380.13 | Open | . | $3.92 | $6.37 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Off Peak (Standard) | $2,380.60 | Open | . | $3.24 | $5.69 |
| EV plan | Meridian EV | $2,435.01 | Fixed (24 months, prices fixed too) | EV01 | $2.75 | $4.59 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury 1 Year Fixed (Standard) | $2,437.18 | Fixed (12 months) | DISC-04 | $4.80 | $7.04 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Basic (Standard) | $2,437.24 | Fixed (12 months) | . | $4.42 | $6.51 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian 2- year contract (Standard) | $2,453.24 | Fixed (24 months) | DISC-07 | $4.97 | $7.08 |
| Regular power plan | Frank Energy (Standard) | $2,459.29 | Open | . | $5.22 | $6.54 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian No Fixed Term (Standard) | $2,485.38 | Open | DISC-10 | $4.88 | $6.95 |
| EV plan | Contact EV - Dream Charge | $2,515.20 | Open | EV02 | $3.99 | $5.69 |
| EV plan | Genesis EV Plan | $2,548.50 | Fixed (12 months) | EV04 | $3.04 | $5.47 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Plus (Standard) | $2,604.29 | Open or Fixed | DISC-03 | $5.24 | $7.68 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoWHOLESALE (Standard) | $2,614.91 | Open | . | $3.91 | $6.28 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Fixed (Standard) | $2,635.67 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $2.91 | $5.31 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury Open Term (Standard) | $2,637.18 | Open | . | $4.80 | $7.04 |
| Regular power plan | Contact Basic Plan (Standard) | $2,654.26 | Open | . | $4.74 | $7.09 |
| Regular power plan | Globug (Standard) | $2,662.71 | Open | . | $4.92 | $7.11 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoSAVER (Standard) | $2,705.07 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $4.07 | $6.44 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Flexi (Standard) | $2,795.93 | Open | . | $3.15 | $5.55 |
| Regular power plan | Nova Energy (Standard) | $2,797.34 | Open | . | $4.87 | $7.48 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - MoveMaster (Standard) | $2,948.48 | Open | . | $3.57 | $5.86 |
| Regular power plan | Slingshot (Standard) | $3,291.89 | Fixed 12 months | BUND-02 | $6.43 | $8.77 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - Kiwi (Standard) | $3,427.87 | Open | . | $6.84 | $9.13 |
Price comparison of EV Plans for Christchurch
EV and conventional electricity comparison for Christchurch (sorted annual charge estimate from by least expensive to most expensive):
| Plan type | Energy Provider and Plan | Annual Charge estimate | Contract - Fixed Term or Open? | Discount ID | Cost for EV full charge - Total variable charges w/ GST | Cost for EV full charge - Total expense (fixed + variable w/GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV plan | Z Energy - EV at Home Plan | $2,304.39 | Open | EV05 | $2.42 | $3.98 |
| Regular power plan | Frank Energy (Standard) | $2,600.15 | Open | . | $5.52 | $6.21 |
| Regular power plan | Powershop (Standard) | $2,642.78 | Open | DISC-08 | $5.38 | $6.76 |
| EV plan | Meridian EV | $2,665.77 | Fixed (24 months, prices fixed too) | EV01 | $2.98 | $4.00 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Flat (Standard) | $2,727.10 | Open | . | $5.08 | $6.63 |
| EV plan | Genesis EV Plan | $2,746.24 | Fixed (12 months) | EV04 | $3.31 | $4.27 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Off Peak (Standard) | $2,774.68 | Open | . | $3.46 | $5.01 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury 1 Year Fixed (Standard) | $2,835.90 | Fixed (12 months) | DISC-04 | $5.80 | $7.36 |
| EV plan | Contact EV - Dream Charge | $2,896.93 | Open | EV02 | $5.15 | $6.44 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoWHOLESALE (Standard) | $2,902.02 | Open | . | $4.46 | $5.92 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian 2- year contract (Standard) | $2,916.79 | Fixed (24 months) | DISC-07 | $6.30 | $7.50 |
| Regular power plan | Contact Basic Plan (Standard) | $2,933.68 | Open | . | $5.73 | $7.09 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian No Fixed Term (Standard) | $2,939.33 | Open | DISC-10 | $6.18 | $7.36 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Fixed (Standard) | $2,999.65 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $3.59 | $5.02 |
| Regular power plan | Globug (Standard) | $3,000.68 | Open | . | $5.75 | $7.27 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Basic (Standard) | $3,006.96 | Fixed (12 months) | . | $6.35 | $7.19 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury Open Term (Standard) | $3,035.90 | Open | . | $5.80 | $7.36 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoSAVER (Standard) | $3,066.17 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $4.49 | $5.95 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Plus (Standard) | $3,097.11 | Open or Fixed | DISC-03 | $7.18 | $8.13 |
| Regular power plan | Nova Energy (Standard) | $3,098.54 | Open | . | $5.86 | $7.52 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Flexi (Standard) | $3,158.95 | Open | . | $3.80 | $5.24 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - MoveMaster (Standard) | $3,421.71 | Open | . | $4.60 | $5.60 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - Kiwi (Standard) | $3,740.86 | Open | . | $7.94 | $8.94 |
| Regular power plan | Slingshot (Standard) | $3,772.02 | Fixed 12 months | BUND-02 | $7.91 | $9.03 |
Price comparison of EV Plans for Dunedin
EV and conventional electricity plan comparison for Dunedin (sorted annual charge estimate from by least expensive to most expensive):
| Plan Type | Energy Provider and Plan | Annual Charge estimate | Contract - Fixed Term or Open? | Discount ID | Cost for EV full charge - Total variable charges w/ GST | Cost for EV full charge - Total expense (fixed + variable w/GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV plan | Z Energy - EV at Home Plan | $2,420.70 | Open | EV05 | $2.66 | $4.22 |
| Regular power plan | Powershop (Standard) | $2,618.51 | Open | DISC-08 | $5.48 | $6.86 |
| EV plan | Meridian EV | $2,764.79 | Fixed (24 months, prices fixed too) | EV01 | $2.92 | $3.99 |
| Regular power plan | Frank Energy (Standard) | $2,783.40 | Open | . | $6.13 | $6.82 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Basic (Standard) | $2,785.08 | Fixed (12 months) | . | $5.80 | $6.87 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Off Peak (Standard) | $2,823.04 | Open | . | $4.52 | $6.07 |
| Regular power plan | Flick Energy Flat (Standard) | $2,823.40 | Open | . | $5.46 | $7.01 |
| Regular power plan | Contact Basic Plan (Standard) | $2,826.83 | Open | . | $5.51 | $7.02 |
| EV plan | Genesis EV Plan | $2,870.58 | Fixed (12 months) | EV04 | $3.59 | $4.80 |
| Regular power plan | Genesis Energy Plus (Standard) | $2,886.90 | Open or Fixed | DISC-03 | $6.62 | $7.83 |
| Regular power plan | Globug (Standard) | $2,890.76 | Open | . | $5.67 | $7.17 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian 2- year contract (Standard) | $2,940.94 | Fixed (24 months) | DISC-07 | $6.51 | $7.75 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoWHOLESALE (Standard) | $2,949.71 | Open | . | $5.62 | $7.09 |
| Regular power plan | Meridian No Fixed Term (Standard) | $3,028.29 | Open | DISC-10 | $6.56 | $7.76 |
| EV plan | Contact EV - Dream Charge | $3,036.80 | Open | EV02 | $5.45 | $6.94 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Fixed (Standard) | $3,061.96 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $3.74 | $5.24 |
| Regular power plan | Nova Energy (Standard) | $3,157.33 | Open | . | $6.18 | $7.84 |
| Regular power plan | Ecotricity ecoSAVER (Standard) | $3,199.28 | Open (prices fixed for 12 months) | . | $6.20 | $7.66 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury 1 Year Fixed (Standard) | $3,200.84 | Fixed (12 months) | DISC-04 | $7.06 | $8.39 |
| Regular power plan | Octopus Flexi (Standard) | $3,216.98 | Open | . | $3.96 | $5.46 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - MoveMaster (Standard) | $3,368.27 | Open | . | $4.47 | $5.79 |
| Regular power plan | Mercury Open Term (Standard) | $3,400.84 | Open | . | $7.06 | $8.39 |
| Regular power plan | Electric Kiwi - Kiwi (Standard) | $3,538.82 | Open | . | $7.40 | $8.72 |
| Regular power plan | Slingshot (Standard) | $4,176.23 | Fixed 12 months | BUND-02 | $9.01 | $10.25 |
Conclusions about EV power plans from our sample price comparison:
- Z energy, in our opinion, offers the best value EV plan. Users should make the most of the three hours of power at night between 3am and 6am, and schedule their EVs and other energy-hungry appliances to run during these hours and during the rest of the night-time to benefit from the discounted rates. We also like that there are no exit fees and that the plan is open to non-EV owners.
- Meridian offers an attractive EV plan, as it has low rates that are fixed for two years and a $200 sign-up bonus. We also like that they don’t impose exit fees in the event of termination of the contract; the only penalty for terminating early would be to give back the $200 sign-up credit.
- Contact’s Dream Charge plan offers similar rates to Meridian’s, but their night time rates start at 11pm and not at 9pm like all the other plans we reviewed. Contact's is an open contract, so there are no exit fees, and they offer a $2.50 credit on Chargenet stations each month.
- The Genesis EV plan is comparatively more expensive, but it also offers some benefits that are difficult to quantify, like the free hours of power (that are offered from time to time, not on a regular basis) and the special rates to charge your EV at Chargenet stations. This plan would be suitable for people that mostly charge their EV’s at public charging stations and who like the security of having energy rates fixed for 1 year.
- The conventional power plans offered by Flick and Powershop consistently appear as some of the better-priced options on our comprehensive comparison, and also those provided by Frank, Genesis and Meridian can sometimes be better value than some dedicated EV plans.
Know This: How to make the most of an EV power plan:
We've put together a list of suggestions on how to make the most of an EV power plan, mostly related to how you use and charge your electric vehicle:
- Charge your vehicle during off-peak hours: Familiarise yourself with your plan and identify when you are charged the lowest variable rate. Charging your EV during these times can help you save money on your power bill.
- Monitor your charging habits: Keep track of how often you charge your vehicle and how much energy you use. This can help you identify areas where you can make adjustments to reduce your power consumption.
- Keep your battery at the optimal temperature: Extreme temperatures can reduce the efficiency of your EV's battery. If possible, park your vehicle in a shaded area during hot weather or in a heated garage during cold weather.
- Use regenerative braking: Regenerative braking allows your EV to recover energy that is typically lost during braking. Using regenerative braking can extend your vehicle's range and reduce your power consumption.
- Minimize your use of high-power features: Features like air conditioning, seat heaters, and entertainment systems can consume a significant amount of power. Try to use these features sparingly to maximize your EV's range.
- Plan your trips in advance: Planning your trips in advance can help you optimize your EV's range. By knowing your destination and the distance you need to travel, you can plan the most efficient route and minimize unnecessary driving.
- Keep your tires properly inflated: Underinflated tires can reduce your EV's efficiency and range. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep your tires properly inflated.
- Drive efficiently: Driving at a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration and braking can help you maximize your EV's range. Use cruise control when possible and try to maintain a consistent speed.
- Monitor your power consumption: Many EVs come with tools and apps that allow you to monitor your power consumption. By tracking your energy usage, you can identify areas where you can improve your efficiency and reduce your power consumption.
- Try to shift your usage of most appliances to the night time when energy is cheaper. For example, run your tumble dryer and dishwasher at night, schedule your heater to run in the morning before 7am, try to have showers during the cheaper times as well.
- Reduce phantom power usage: Many electronics continue to consume power even when they are not in use. Unplugging devices or using a smart power strip can help you reduce phantom power usage.
- Adjust your schedule: If possible, adjust your schedule to take advantage of off-peak hours. This could include running errands or scheduling meetings during off-peak hours.
Pros and Cons of EV Power Plans
Pros:
- Lower electricity rates: EV electricity plans generally offer lower electricity rates for charging your electric vehicle. This can help you save money on your overall energy costs.
- Environmentally friendly: By using an EV, you're already positively impacting the environment. EV electricity plans can further enhance this by offering renewable energy options that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Incentives: Some EV electricity plans may offer incentives such as discounts or credits for signing up, which can further reduce costs.
Cons:
- Limited availability: Not all electricity providers in New Zealand offer EV electricity plans, so your options may be limited depending on your location.
- Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for most EV electricity plans, you need to own an electric vehicle and have a smart meter installed
- Variable rates: Some EV electricity plans may have variable rates that change depending on the time of day or the provider's pricing structure. This can make it difficult to budget accurately for your energy costs.
- Plan complexity: Some EV electricity plans may be more complex than standard plans, with different rates and billing structures. This can make it more difficult to compare plans and choose the best option for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EV electricity plan?
An EV electricity plan is a special electricity plan designed for customers who own electric vehicles. These plans offer lower rates for electricity used to charge EVs and may include additional benefits related to EVs, like charging cables or special rates at certain charging stations.
How do I know if I'm eligible for an EV electricity plan?
Each provider sets out their rules, but to be eligible for an EV electricity plan, you will typically need to own or lease an electric vehicle and have a smart meter installed.
Do all electricity providers in New Zealand offer EV electricity plans?
No, at the moment of writing this guide, the only companies that offer EV plans are Z Energy, Contact, Genesis, and Meridian. Powershop also has a section on EVs, but the rates (at least in Auckland) are those from their regular time-of-use plans.
How do I compare different EV electricity plans?
To compare different EV electricity plans, you should look at the pricing structure, additional benefits offered eligibility requirements, and other applicable terms and conditions. You can download our spreadsheet, which we used to compare plans across different cities.
What are some of the benefits of an EV electricity plan?
Some benefits of an EV electricity plan include lower electricity rates for charging your EV, special rates for charging at certain charging stations (Genesis at Chargenet), and the use of renewable energy sources that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Are there any downsides to an EV electricity plan?
Some downsides of an EV electricity plan may include limited availability, eligibility requirements, variable rates, and plan complexity.
How do I sign up for an EV electricity plan?
To sign up for an EV electricity plan, you should contact an electricity provider that offers these plans and follow their sign-up process.
Can I switch from a regular electricity plan to an EV electricity plan?
Yes, you can switch from a regular electricity plan to an EV one. However, you should consider any early termination fees that may apply to your current plan.
Additional Resources: There are several New Zealand websites related to EV ownership that provide excellent information on this topic, including:
Our related guides include Best Electric Vehicles, Electric Vehicle Finance and Power Price Comparison.
- Flip the Fleet – a community project with many helpful resources and discussion boards about EVs in New Zealand
- Genless – This website is run by the government and contains lots of useful information about saving energy and moving towards carbon neutrality
- Powershop EV Hub – This section of Powershop’s website has may articles about EV ownership, batteries, charging stations, etc.
- ChargeNet - New Zealand's largest network of EV charging stations.
Our related guides include Best Electric Vehicles, Electric Vehicle Finance and Power Price Comparison.
